Germany proposes raising retirement age to 70 by 2090

Germany plans a gradual increase of the statutory retirement age to about 70 years by the early 2090s. The current limit of 67, set for the 2030s, would rise in line with life‑expectancy gains, and early retirement schemes are to be abolished. The proposal, backed by Chancellor Friedrich Merz, stems from a 33‑point report by a committee of experts that also recommends investing mandatory pension contributions in equity markets and extending contribution obligations to public‑sector employees and self‑employed workers.

The reforms aim to secure the pension system as Germany faces rapid population ageing – roughly 19 million people (23 % of the population) are now over 65, up from 15 % in 1991. The government intends to push the legislation through parliament before the summer recess, but it meets opposition from left‑wing parties, trade unions and critics who argue the changes would unfairly burden low‑wage and manual‑labor workers and expose pensions to market volatility. Chancellor Merz said, “No citizen needs to worry,” emphasizing that the measures are intended to prevent a collapse of the pension fund and strengthen inter‑generational solidarity.